FIREFIGHTERS in Hounslow today said they were glad they could get back to saving lives after the 47-hour strike, due to start this morning, was called off at the last minute.

There had been particular concern about the impact of the planned Bonefire Night walkout in Hounslow, due to the borough's large Sikh and Hindu population who will also be celebrating Diwali.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) had raised doubts about the ability of AssetCo's covering fire crews to handle the relatively low number of calls during the previous two one-day strikes.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) announced last night that strike action had been averted. The two sides have agreed to attend an independently-chaired panel later this month in a bid to resolve the dispute over proposed changes to shift patterns.

Dan Bantleman, of Heston fire station's red watch, said: "We're pleased we'll be able to give Hounslow the fire cover it deserves, which AssetCo wasn't able to deliver."

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: "My intention has always been to reach an agreement on proposals that will make Londoners safer and firefighters safer.

"Going to an independently-chaired body to help us seek a way forward is a step in the right direction."

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "We have listened to the concerns about public safety and we have watched the work of the private contractors who are supposed to protect Londoners with mounting concern."